Great Staff and Location for Younger Travelers, but Lacking in Comfort and Polish
May 4, 2025 Beyond_YXU London, Canada
I recently booked five rooms at The Anndore House for a two-night stay while attending a conference in Toronto with a small group of students. Overall, our experience was positive, though there were a few drawbacks worth noting that would likely prevent me from returning on a leisure visit to Toronto.
The standout here is the staff—absolutely…
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I recently booked five rooms at The Anndore House for a two-night stay while attending a conference in Toronto with a small group of students. Overall, our experience was positive, though there were a few drawbacks worth noting that would likely prevent me from returning on a leisure visit to Toronto.
The standout here is the staff—absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Given the complexity of our reservation, I had several questions leading up to our stay. All my emails were answered promptly and with genuine warmth, which really helped set the tone for the trip. The group felt welcomed before we even arrived. Check-in was smooth, and every staff member we interacted with was friendly and professional.
We booked through a third-party site and found the rate fair for the location and amenities. The onsite bar and restaurant are a real highlight—stylish and well-run, offering a nice place to unwind. The location is also quite convenient for those looking to spend time in Yorkville or the Church Street Village—both walkable and full of great options for food, shopping, and nightlife.
My students absolutely loved their rooms, and I can see the appeal for Millennial and Gen Z travelers. The rooms are trendy, with exposed brick and a loft-like, industrial feel. I personally found my room a bit too dark and stark for my taste. The decor leans heavily industrial—painted concrete, surface-mount wiring, and plywood cabinetry. The bathroom setup was odd, split on either side of the entryway, and the shower had extremely poor water pressure with frustrating temperature control.
Though the bed and pillows were very comfortable, and the windows blocked out street noise well, there were some noticeable misses: no record player in my room as advertised, just three hangers in the closet, and I had to call down for a robe. The Skoah toiletries were fine, but the scents were overpowering, especially if you’re scent-sensitive. I would have preferred the Gilchrist & Soames line, which they list on their website.
Also, be aware that the hotel sits on the fringe of the Bloor/Yorkville area, and the immediate surroundings leave something to be desired—strip clubs, tired storefronts, and a park that felt a bit sketchy at night. The front desk area was disappointing, cluttered and cramped, nothing like the sleek promotional photos online. For such a tiny lobby, every detail matters. Seeing employees' water bottles, personal items, hand sanitizer, tissues, and myriad papers and note cards covering the service of the desk ruins the effect--as does a glassfront display case offering cans of pop and bags of chips. What is pictured on the website is quite chic; the reality falls short.
In summary, this is a great pick for younger travelers who value vibe and style over traditional luxury. But if you’re looking for more refinement, polish, and pampering, I’d recommend nearby options like the W Hotel or Royal Sonesta, both of which offer a more upscale experience at a similar price point, or their fabulous sister property, the Park Hyatt, at a higher price point but in the heart of Yorkville.
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